The Youth Advocacy Training for Democracy and Human Rights 2026 in France offers young activists and youth leaders an exceptional opportunity to strengthen their advocacy skills in a fully funded international training environment. Organized by the Council of Europe Youth Department, the program will take place at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg, France, from 27 September to 4 October 2026.

The training is designed for young people who are actively involved in youth organizations, civil society, human rights initiatives, democracy campaigns, and youth participation. Selected participants will receive comprehensive financial support, including travel, visa expenses, accommodation, and meals.

As part of the Youth Revitalising Democracy project, the course focuses on helping young people understand democratic institutions and develop practical skills for influencing policies and decision-makers. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage with the work of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

With only up to 30 participants expected to be selected, this is a competitive opportunity for young advocates who want to make a meaningful contribution to democracy, human rights, and youth participation.

Youth Advocacy Training 2026 in France Overview

The Youth Advocacy Training is intended to help young activists become more effective advocates for democracy and human rights. The course combines learning, practical exercises, networking, and exposure to European democratic institutions.

Program Details

• Program Name: Youth Advocacy Training for Democracy and Human Rights 2026
• Location: European Youth Centre Strasbourg, France
• Organizer: Council of Europe Youth Department
• Project: Youth Revitalising Democracy
• Training Dates: 27 September – 4 October 2026
• Funding: Fully funded
• Number of Participants: Up to 30
• Target Group: Young activists, youth leaders, and youth civil society representatives
• Age: Generally 18–30 years
• Application Deadline: 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time
• Training Language: English

What Is the Youth Advocacy Training Scholarship?

The Youth Advocacy Training Scholarship is a fully funded training opportunity for young people involved in youth advocacy and civil society. It is organized by the Council of Europe Youth Department as part of its efforts to strengthen youth participation in democratic processes.

The program focuses on human rights-based advocacy, policy influence, democratic participation, and engagement with institutions.

Participants will explore how European human rights and democracy standards can be used to support advocacy initiatives. They will also learn how to communicate effectively with decision-makers and develop strategies that can create meaningful policy impact.

The training is particularly relevant for young leaders who are already working within youth organizations or civil society groups and want to strengthen their ability to advocate for change.

Youth Advocacy Training Benefits

One of the biggest advantages of this opportunity is that participants do not have to bear the major costs associated with international participation.

Travel and Visa Costs

The Council of Europe covers travel and visa-related costs according to its applicable rules. This allows selected participants to attend the program without facing the usual financial barriers associated with international training.

Accommodation

Participants will receive accommodation at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg during the training period.

Meals

Meals are provided during the training, helping participants focus on learning and networking without worrying about daily food expenses.

Parliamentary Assembly Experience

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

This provides valuable exposure to European-level democratic processes and gives young advocates an opportunity to better understand how political institutions operate.

International Networking

The course will bring together young people involved in different youth organizations and civil society initiatives. This creates opportunities to exchange experiences, share advocacy approaches, and develop international connections.

Youth Advocacy Training Eligibility Criteria

The program is aimed at young people who are actively engaged in youth organizations, civil society, democracy, and human rights.

Applicants should generally meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old. Exceptions may be considered where properly justified.
• Represent a national youth council, international youth organization, youth network, or another youth civil society organization.
• Applicants from local or regional youth councils may also be considered.
• Youth branches of political parties may be eligible.
• Hold a leadership or active responsibility position within their organization.
• Be able to follow up on advocacy initiatives after the training.
• Demonstrate a commitment to democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and youth participation.
• Be able to work independently in English.
• Be resident in a state that is party to the European Cultural Convention, although exceptions may be considered in justified circumstances.

The selection process is expected to be competitive because the training will accommodate up to 30 participants.

Who Should Apply for the Youth Advocacy Training?

This opportunity can be particularly valuable for young people already involved in advocacy, civic engagement, or youth leadership.

Youth Organizations

Members and leaders of youth organizations can use the training to strengthen their ability to represent young people and influence policy.

Youth Councils

National, regional, and local youth council representatives can benefit from learning how to develop evidence-based advocacy strategies.

Human Rights Initiatives

Young people working on human rights campaigns can gain practical knowledge about applying human rights standards to advocacy.

Democracy and Civic Engagement

The program is relevant to activists involved in democratic participation, elections, civic education, and community engagement.

Advocacy Campaigns

Participants who are already developing advocacy campaigns can learn how to communicate more effectively with policymakers and other decision-makers.

Youth Leadership and Civil Society

Young leaders working in civil society organizations and community initiatives can develop skills that may help them create stronger and more sustainable advocacy programs.

What Will Participants Learn?

The training is designed to combine institutional knowledge with practical advocacy skills.

Understanding the Council of Europe

Participants will learn about the Council of Europe, its institutions, and its role in promoting democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

European Democracy and Human Rights Standards

The course will introduce participants to European standards related to democracy, human rights, and youth participation.

Understanding these standards can help young advocates develop stronger arguments when engaging with institutions and policymakers.

Human Rights-Based Advocacy

Participants will learn how to approach advocacy from a human rights perspective. This includes identifying issues, developing evidence-based arguments, and connecting advocacy objectives with established human rights principles.

Advocacy Strategy Development

The course will help participants understand how to create and implement effective advocacy strategies.

This can include identifying decision-makers, establishing objectives, selecting appropriate communication methods, building partnerships, and evaluating results.

Working With Decision-Makers

Effective advocacy often requires direct engagement with policymakers and public institutions. Participants will learn approaches for communicating with decision-makers and presenting advocacy demands in a clear and persuasive way.

Youth Revitalising Democracy Project

The training is organized within the Youth Revitalising Democracy project, which focuses on strengthening youth participation in democratic processes.

The project seeks to encourage greater youth participation in elections and address barriers that prevent young people from becoming active participants in political and democratic life.

This makes the training particularly relevant for young activists who want to increase youth involvement in decision-making.

By developing stronger advocacy skills, participants can return to their organizations with practical knowledge that can be used to support campaigns, influence policies, and encourage greater youth participation.

How to Apply for Youth Advocacy Training 2026

Interested applicants should complete the online application before the specified deadline.

Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements

Before starting the application, carefully review the eligibility criteria. Make sure your age, organizational involvement, residence, language ability, and advocacy experience meet the requirements.

Step 2: Prepare Your Information

Applicants should be ready to explain their role within their organization and describe their experience with youth participation, democracy, human rights, advocacy, or related initiatives.

It is useful to prepare specific examples of campaigns, projects, leadership activities, or community initiatives you have participated in.

Step 3: Complete the Online Application

Submit the official online application form before the deadline.

The stated application deadline is 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time.

Applicants should avoid waiting until the final hours because technical problems or incomplete information could affect the submission.

Step 4: Demonstrate Your Motivation

A strong application should clearly demonstrate why you want to participate and how the training will support your current advocacy work.

Explain how you intend to use the knowledge and skills gained during the program after returning to your organization or community.

Step 5: Wait for the Selection Decision

The organizers will review applications and select up to 30 participants for the training.

Successful participants will receive further information about travel arrangements, accommodation, and participation.

Application Deadline

The deadline for the Youth Advocacy Training for Democracy and Human Rights 2026 is: 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time.

Because the deadline is approaching, eligible applicants should prepare and submit their applications as early as possible.

Applicants should also verify the current deadline and application instructions on the official Council of Europe information page before submitting their forms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Youth Advocacy Training Scholarship?

It is a fully funded training program organized by the Council of Europe Youth Department for young activists and youth civil society representatives. It focuses on advocacy for democracy, human rights, youth participation, and the rule of law.

Where will the training take place?

The training will be held at the European Youth Centre Strasbourg in Strasbourg, France.

When will the training take place?

The program is scheduled for 27 September to 4 October 2026.

What expenses are covered?

The Council of Europe covers eligible travel and visa expenses. Accommodation and meals are also provided during the training.

Who can apply?

The program targets young activists and representatives of youth councils, youth organizations, networks, civil society organizations, and related initiatives. Applicants generally need to be between 18 and 30 years old and meet the other eligibility conditions.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline is 14 August 2026 at 14:00 Strasbourg time.

How many participants will be selected?

Up to 30 participants will be selected.

Do I need to speak English?

Yes. Applicants should be able to work independently in English because the training requires active participation and communication.

Can people outside Council of Europe member states apply?

The program primarily targets eligible participants from states party to the European Cultural Convention. However, exceptions may be considered in justified circumstances. Applicants should carefully review the official concept note for the latest conditions.

What will participants gain from the training?

Participants will develop knowledge of Council of Europe institutions and European standards while strengthening practical skills in human rights-based advocacy, policy engagement, strategy development, and working with decision-makers.

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